Hundreds of Catholics from across the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese and wider NSW are expected to flood to St Laurence O'Toole Church in Forbes on Thursday to welcome the Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents.
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A quarter of the way into their four-month pilgrimage around Australia, the Saints have already generated significant interest across New South Wales and Queensland.
With schools and parishes from the entire region planning to join the day's activities, Hugo Chis, Vice Chancellor of the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, says the atmosphere in western NSW is buzzing ahead of the visit.
"A lot of the people in the community grew up with St Therese on their holy cards as children, so this is quite special for them," Mr Chris said.
Mr Chis says the itinerary will be jam-packed.
"A student guard of honour will greet the relics, followed by a Welcome Mass celebrated by Bishop Columba and streamed to all of the Catholic schools," he said.
"The Bishop is also giving talks at Red Bend Catholic College and St Laurence's. In the evening we are having solemn vespers and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by benediction and then veneration."
Michael Deasy, Catholic Mission Diocesan Director in Wilcannia-Forbes, is thrilled with the response from the local community so far.
"Forbes is set for a grand and memorable occasion for the entire diocese," he said.
From Forbes, St Thérèse and her parents will travel onto Parkes where they will receive a traditional welcome to country.
For more information on the Pilgrimage of St Thérèse and her parents, Ss Louis and Zélie Martin, including the itinerary and resources, please visit catholicmission.org.au/relics.
